BridgeFest - the Music and Community Festival, returned to the capital after four years, greeted by Hanoi's crisp autumn and the enthusiastic presence of attendees. This event champions equality, sustainability, and inclusivity with 40 social organizations and an impressive lineup of artists including Pháo, Thanh Duy, Hà Lê, Bức Tường Band, Minh Tốc & Lam, Hanoi Swing Dance, Green Wind Choir, the international band JamBox, and the diplomatic corps' Bridge Band.
Representatives from 40 diverse social organizations and enterprises from all over Vietnam showcased their work in environmental protection, healthcare, education, social integration, and gender equality through exhibits and interactive activities, making BridgeFest uniquely impactful. Although the festival officially started at 3 PM, many booths were bustling with visitors from the morning. Numerous stories and diverse perspectives, but all shared a common voice: contributing to Vietnam's sustainable development.

This collaborative spirit is echoed by Oxfam in Vietnam's National Director, Vũ Thị Quỳnh Hoa: “Each year, we welcome more partners and people, creating a vibrant festival. Together, we celebrate music and the spirit of collaboration in co-creating a more inclusive and sustainable future of a human economy”.
The Bridge Band, a unique group of Hanoi-based international diplomats and Vietnamese government officials, exemplifies the power of music to build bridges. Trần Nhất Hoàng, Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and founder of the Bridge band, shares their experience: “Our band is called Bridge, with the meaning of using music to connect, to promote positive values, and to share the cultural values of different nations. We hope that when different nations understand each other better, we can together build a better world.”
BridgeFest is an annual music and community connection festival aimed at celebrating equality and diversity in society. After three years in Hanoi, BridgeFest 2022 was held in Da Nang attracting over 10 thousand attendees, and in 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City with over 15 thousand attendees. Now in its seventh year, BridgeFest has become a highly anticipated annual event that fosters connections, inspires action, and promotes an economy that cares for people and the planet. The enduring support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, various diplomatic missions, embassies, and social organizations underlines a commitment to international collaboration and cultural exchange that drives equality and sustainable development.